Local early years Montessori educator who set up her own nursery schools business has won a top charity accolade for her achievements.

Michelle Wisbey owns and operates five Montessori pre-schools in Essex and Hertfordshire that employ 50 people and teach hundreds of young children.

Now Michelle, of Little Sampford, has been recognised by the Montessori St Nicholas charity for her contribution to the movement.

She was presented with the 2016 Montessorian of the Year Award at the charity’s Annual Conference, attended by over 700 practitioners.

Michelle first began teaching at Maynard Montessori in Stebbing back in 1993, while also studying for her Montessori diploma. When the previous owner wanted to retire in 1997, Michelle purchased the nursery.

She set up a second pre-school, Westwood Montessori, with support from a Government farm diversification scheme and went on to establish St Thomas More and Flitch Green Montessoris and finally Flying Start Montessori in Sawbridgeworth. All the pre-schools are rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

Michelle, who is married to farmer Andrew and is mum to Josh 18, Sam 16 and Thomas 12, said she was delighted to win the award given her passion for the Montessori method of teaching young children.

It was wonderful just to be nominated for this award, let alone win it. I very much share the Montessori St Nicholas charitys vision of a Montessori school on every corner and for it to become the mainstream method of education for our early years and primary-school aged children. I am very humbled to be recognised for my efforts towards achieving that vision, she said.

Michelle, who is now studying for her doctorate on independent learning in the early years, was also recognised for her commitment to passing on her knowledge through continuous professional development to both her staff and to other teachers.